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How to Train an Alaskan Klee Kai

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Want to learn how to train your Alaskan Klee Kai to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized companion dog that is alert, energetic, and curious, yet reserved with unfamiliar people and situations. They come in three different sizes.

The Alaskan Klee Kai has a symmetrical contrasting facial mask and body markings. This small northern-type companion breed is alert, energetic and curious. Naturally reserved with strangers, AKK require early socialization and training.

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai have ancient roots descending from the numerous native dogs which have populated Alaska for thousands of years. Many of these dogs became not only loving family pets, but in the harsh environment of Alaska, were crucial for survival for the tribal groups and nomadic people. They excelled at pulling sleds, hiking, hunting, tracking, and were early warning alerts for dangers such as wild animals or enemies approaching. One of the largest groups of native dogs that make up the base of what became known as the Alaskan Husky type of dog are the Alaskan Interior Village dogs. Husky lines from Siberia, which were imported to Alaska in the early 1900s, were added to much of this hearty dog population as dog sled racing started to grow. They developed an intelligent, vigorous, and hardworking dog, with a happy nature.

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed we see today was developed in Alaska from these well-bred husky dogs by Linda Spurlin and her family starting in the early 1970s. Using a strict breeding program to select the somewhat smaller dogs with the type/look she envisioned that also met her high standards for health, structure and temperament, she carefully developed a companion-sized version of the Alaska Husky with a very distinctive contrasting symmetrical facial mask and markings. Much like their ancestors, the Alaskan Klee Kai is adaptable to multiple lifestyles, traveling, hiking, sports, entertainment, therapy and service, and most importantly, a loving companion dog for all ages.

Quick Facts

Temperament: Loyal / Intelligent / Vigilant

Height: 13-17.5 inches

Weight: 6-12 pounds (toy) 10-18 pounds (miniature) 16-25 pounds (standard)

Life expectancy: 13-16 years

Foundation Stock Service

Health

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is a generally healthy breed. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for health conditions including patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, heart murmur, eye disorders, and Factor VII deficiency. Prospective AKK owners are encouraged to purchase from responsible/reputable breeders who are doing these evaluations and confirm the health screening of the sire and dam. Responsible breeders use the many tools available, along with the knowledge of their dog’s pedigrees, to selectively choose breeding dogs in order to reduce the likelihood of temperament, structure and health concerns.  Weights are approximate, in proportion to the overall dog, and will vary according to bone structure.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
  • Patella Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Thyroid Evaluation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Factor VII Deficiency DNA test

Grooming

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is a double-coated breed, with a short dense undercoat and a longer outer coat of guard hairs. This coat not only helps insulate them from the cold and heat, but it also helps protect the skin from the sun. While the undercoat is shed (or blown) twice a year, some owners quip that it lasts for six months at a time. Weekly brushings and/or combing help keep the coat and skin in good condition and help reduce the hair around the house.  AKK often need only a few baths a year as their coats tend to naturally repel dirt, and they do not have the dog odor that many breeds have. Blowing the dog with a strong cool blow-dryer is also a good way to remove loose hair and dirt. Avoid using any tools with blades. The nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent any foot problems. Alaskan Klee Kai competing in conformation require a bit more selective grooming or bathing for the best presentation. The breed standard is specific: The Alaskan Klee Kai is shown in its natural state and the only trimming permissible is around the foot area to present a clean/neat appearance. Any trimming of the whiskers, or the fur on any other part of the dog, is to be severely penalized.

Exercise

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is an active dog with a medium-high energy level. Regular exercise and doing activities together, both physically and mentally, strengthens the bond between dog and owner and helps to avoid potentially destructive behavior. AKK enjoys doing performance sports or exploring life with their people in many activities such as camping, hiking, climbing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and even on paddle boards! For those who live in a more urban setting, or have a more sedate lifestyle, daily walks or a game of fetch can also provide great exercise. Alaskan Klee Kai is the foremost loving companion dog who form strong bonds with their family and are as happy playfully interacting with their owners exploring the outdoors as they are relaxing lovingly on the laps of their youthful or elderly owners. Like many dog breeds, Alaskan Klee Kai is curious, clever, fast and sneaky, and may have a high prey drive, so it is important to keep the dog on a leash or in a securely fenced yard (or secured area) at all times when outside of the home. AKK is not suitable for people who cannot spend time with their dogs.

Training

The Alaskan Klee Kai are a perceptive breed that enjoys being physically and mentally challenged. They love learning new things, and have an energetic eagerness to participate in a broad array of activities which make them well suited for multiple performance sports such as Agility, Racing, Obedience, Rally, Scent Work, Weight Pull, Dock Diving, and Carting. They are also used in therapy work, service work, diabetic and gluten detection, as well as emotional support dogs. AKK have a sensitive, reserved and cautious nature. A gentle hand, positive reinforcement, proper early socialization and training throughout their lives is very beneficial.

Nutrition

The Alaskan Klee Kai should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian¿s supervision and approval. The diet should be appropriate to the dogs age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to excessive weight gain, so watch your dog¿s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog¿s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Want to learn how to train your Alaskan Klee Kai to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

How to Train a Stabyhoun

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Want to learn how to train your Stabyhoun to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

Although occasionally somewhat willful by nature, Stabyhouns are obedient, gentle, and patient dogs, who are deeply fond of their family, wanting to please their owners. He is both a soft-mouthed retriever and a pointer that is particularly useful for hunting ducks and upland birds. He is a fine retriever, and water work is one of his fortes. He is very sharp-eyed, owns a good sense of smell and aptitude, and works fast and efficiently. The Stabyhoun’s independent nature was a deliberately bred characteristic by farmers who wanted a dog that could hunt independently for moles and rabbits.

That propensity we still see today, therefore, you cannot be upset if he looks for prey independently and, for example, digs in the garden. With proper guidance, a Staby is a gentle dog and a great friend for life. Stabys are also very inquisitive. Always pay attention to what a Stabyhoun is up to because with their inquisitive nature, they can quickly get into trouble. If you think your Staby will sit quietly if something happens, you will often be disappointed. Although Stabys make a lot of noise when something is wrong or to alert his owner, they generally expect the owner to further investigate before they accept that things are normal. Most Stabys will need to verify that there are no “surprises” in store before calming down again. This breed is a functional and powerfully-built pointing dog that originated in the Netherlands. The majority of Stabyhouns are black and white. The brown and white coloring is seen in the Netherlands, but the orange and white Stabyhoun is nearly extinct.

The Staby’s build is such that it is greater in length than in height and similarly, the head shows more length than width. The feathering on his chest, collar, forelegs, trousers and tail gives the Staby the impression of being longhaired, but the coat is not excessively long. The Stabyhoun is considered to be an “all-around” dog, with abilities in hunting, retrieving, and pointing. They are also ideal family dogs because of their size and affectionate character.

History

Native to the Netherlands, the Stabyhoun is related to the Drentsche Patrijshond and Heidewachtel. He probably owes his name to his versatility; the word Stabyhoun is derived from the words sta mij bij or “stand by me,” while houn is the Frisian word for dog and is pronounced “hoon.”

The Stabyhoun that we know today shows definite similarities to dogs that were depicted in paintings from the 17th century. For example, those by the well-known Dutch artist Jan Steen. The Stabyhoun originated in the Frisian forest area of the Netherlands along with another breed, the Wetterhoun. In the early 20th century, Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun were regularly crossbred with each other, thereby, the unique varieties of each were threatened to be lost. In 1938, a group of enthusiastic people of the Kynologenclub Friesland started purifying the two breeds again and, in 1942, both breeds were officially recognized. Important names in this process were:  J. Bos, T. van Dijk, B. de Graaf and W. Hoeksema. The first standard was dated February 10, 1944. In 1947, the Dutch Association for Staby and Wetterhounen (NVSW) was established with the mission to represent the interests of the Frisian breeds.

The first recorded Stabyhoun litter born in the United States was in 1994. As of 2017, the population of the Stabyhoun is more than 7,000 dogs worldwide. His popularity has grown across much of Europe and North America, including Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the US and the UK, in addition to his native Netherlands.

Quick Facts

Temperament: Intelligent / Loving / Responsive

Height: 19-21 inches

Weight: 40-60 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Foundation Stock Group

Health

The Stabyhoun is, despite its small population, fortunately, a relatively healthy breed. The ASA and the NVSW do everything possible to keep it that way. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and cerebral dysfunction. The ASA’s breeding program is aimed to reduce these occurrences as much as possible, though it is not easy, as the causes are not always clear or strictly hereditary.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
  • Cerebral Dysfunction Test for a dog with carrier

Grooming

A Stabyhoun’s grooming needs are almost nonexistent. Unless he is neutered, any necessary hair trimming can be done yourself. A neutered dog also comes with what is called a “castrated coat” where the undercoat is exploding and may require a bit more grooming. Otherwise, the medium-length coat of the Stabyhoun is self-cleaning, meaning dirt falls off by itself when the coat is dry. One brush through it to remove the last remnants of sand and he is clean again. This also means that he only rarely gets a bath. Even if he really is very dirty, just a rinse or a swim in a clean pool is usually sufficient. Shampoo is only required if he has been rolling in something smelly; then, use a special, neutral dog shampoo so as not to strip his skin oils.

Exercise

Daily exercise is necessary for the mental and physical health of your Staby. They do not require more than a good daily hour of exercise. Afterward, they are then content to sleep and rest quietly during the day. What is perhaps even more important is that a Staby needs a mental challenge. Stabys need to have a function in daily life, and preference should be given to something that offers variety. Agility, hunting, scent training, and lure coursing can all be productive and stimulating to your Staby. A busy dog is a perfect dog.

Training

Stabys are self-motivated and quick learners. The reason for this lies mainly in the fact that the Staby had to work independently to destroy pests, so it was handy to have a real “thinker.” That suited the breed well at a time when there were few outside influences and hardly any traffic. With positive and gentle training, the Staby is quick to learn and wants to please. Too much pressure is never a good idea, while a good coach is important. The Staby likes a job, but his family must provide a fair and consistent approach to his training, which is very important for a peaceful, happy and diverse education. A tough approach is useless with the Staby. He will completely cease working and no longer voluntarily perform his duties.

Nutrition

The Stabyhoun should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Want to learn how to train your Stabyhoun to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

How to Train an American Bulldog

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Want to learn how to train your American Bulldog to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

American Bulldogs are well-balanced athletic dogs that demonstrate great strength, endurance, agility, and a friendly attitude. Historically, they were bred to be utility dogs used for working the farm.

The American Bulldog is a descendant of the English Bulldog. It is believed that the bulldog was in America as early as the 17th century. They came to the United States in the 1800s, with immigrants who brought their working bulldogs with them. Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many tasks including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. The breed largely survived, particularly in the southern states, due to its ability to bring down and catch feral pigs.

The breed we know as the American Bulldog was originally known by many different names before the name American Bulldog became the standard. In different parts of the South he was known as the White English Southern Bulldog, but most commonly just “bulldog.” The breed was not called a bulldog because of a certain look, but because they did real bulldog work.

History

The American Bulldog is a powerfully built dog whose original function was that of a farm utility dog and family companion and protector. The American Bulldog is thought to have been in the United States as early as the 1700s and many arrived with their owners and families during the 17th and 18th centuries. The breed was well known for their abilities for catching feral cattle and pigs and became a useful tool to the small farmers and ranchers. The breed largely survived, particularly in the southern states, due to this ability. The breed almost died out during WWI and WWII, with the only surviving dogs kept on farms primarily in the southeast. The two men who are recognized as the pioneers of bringing the breed back from possible extinction are John D. Johnson and Alan Scott.

Quick Facts

Temperament: Loyal / Self-Confident

Height: 20-25 inches

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Foundation Stock Service

Health

The American Bulldog is considered a healthy breed. Owners should maintain a schedule of examinations and vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian. Hip and joint problems are a concern for this breed, hip and elbow evaluations should also be done. Just like other breeds, the American Bulldog has the potential to develop genetic health problems. Breeders should pre-screen any potential breeding pairs for genetic diseases.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10 (NCL10)
  • Ichthyosis
  • Deafness

Grooming

Grooming your American Bulldog can be a pretty easy task. This breed does not need to be bathed often, only occasional baths when they become dirty. Regular brushing will help keep their coat clean and shiny. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks and ears should be cleaned once a month or as needed. Their teeth should be brushed regularly. Seasonal shedding is to be expected.

Exercise

The American Bulldog is an athlete. For puppies, owners will need to practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible bone and joint damage. As adults, the American Bulldog will need a range of activities from jogs, hikes, tug-a-war games, to training exercises. The breed does not do well being left alone in a backyard. This may lead to a variety of behavior problems related to pent-up energy. This breed requires frequent exercise and constant stimulation. Developing his athletic abilities will help this breed stay fit and happy.

Training

Early socialization and puppy training classes are vital in channeling the American Bulldog’s energy. Rules and routines should be put in place early and adhered to as dogs grow up. They require a firm but loving hand to establish and retain proper boundaries. The more exposure to good training practices, other dogs, and people, the more likely the success at being managed both inside and outside of their environment.

Nutrition

American Bulldogs are healthy dogs and will do very well with a variety of quality dog foods. American Bulldog puppies should be fed large-breed puppy food for the first 14 months of their life in order to ensure slow and steady growth. Puppies should not be fed added calcium until they are advanced to adult food. Adult dogs should be fed a quality large-breed food along with added supplements for joint, muscle and coat care.

 

Want to learn how to train your American Bulldog to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

How to Train an American Leopard Hound

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Want to learn how to train your American Leopard Hound to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

Intelligence is one of the American Leopard Hound’s very best attributes. The breed is loving and affectionate toward their family and they are extremely protective of children. American Leopards are one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the U.S. and have extremely strong tracking abilities, often able to track prey for miles. The American Leopard Hound is a medium to large size dog and comes in three patterns: Solid, Leopard and Brindle; nine different official colors; and a variety of markings, however, sixty percent of all American Leopards are solid-colored dogs.

The breed is very versatile in hunting a variety of game species including, but not limited to, raccoon, bear, bobcat, cougar, squirrel, and any other tree-minded game. As an especially tough breed, they also fare exceptionally well in extreme weather, both hot and cold. The American Leopard was officially organized and named the American Leopard Cur in 1960, but changed by the breed club members to the American Leopard Hound on May 1, 2008, years before coming to the American Kennel Club.

History

American Leopard Hounds are one of the oldest of the tree dog breeds in the Americas. The exact origins of the American Leopard are unknown. Those who have researched the history of the breed maintain that dogs brought to the New World by Spanish conquistadors played a role in their evolution.

Opinions vary as to what other dogs were involved in the breed’s development. Some researchers suggest that the conquistadors’ dogs were mixed with dogs native to Mexico and were later brought to the United States by settlers, where they continued to develop into the breed known today. Others contend that the breed’s entire development took place within the southern United States from a mixture of Spanish, French, English, Irish, and Scottish hound and herding breeds.

By the early 18th century, American Leopard Hounds had become established in eastern North Carolina. From there, it made its way west into Tennessee and Kentucky and, later, south into Texas and Oklahoma.

During the early 20th century, the breed began to decline and was allowed to cross with other breeds, so much so that by the 1950s, few purebred examples could be found. Realizing this, three individuals, J. Richard McDuffie, Leroy E. Smith, and A.W. Carter, began to independently search for any examples of the breed. Meeting in 1960, these three men established the American Leopard Cur Breeders Association (ALCBA) to establish and promote the breed.

The American Leopard Hound has been bred as an all-purpose tree dog. They are unique in the tree dog world because of their intense desire to please their master; no breed is more easily trained. They are also unsurpassed in their ability to fight and hold game at bay without getting hurt. They stay in close on the quarry, but have the unique ability to “duck and dodge” to avoid injury. In the home, they are extremely affectionate and protective with children.

Quick Facts

Temperament: Sociable / Energetic / Intelligent

Height: 21-27 inches

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Foundation Stock Service

Health

Most American Leopard Hounds are healthy dogs. Prospective American Leopard Hound owners should work with a responsible breeder, who can educate them about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies. The mating of two merle-colored American Leopards creates the possibility of puppies called double merles. These pups carry a much higher risk of being blind, deaf, or sight or hearing-impaired.

Grooming

Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. American Leopard Hounds have a smooth, dense, double coat; the outer coat is rough and the undercoat is fine and wooly. Beyond regular weekly brushing, the occasional bath will keep them clean and looking their best. Their strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

Exercise

American Leopard Hounds are an energetic breed. Options for exercise include playtime in the backyard, preferably fenced, or walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise. As a hunting breed with energy to spare, American Leopards would do best as part of an active, rural family.

Training

American Leopard Hounds are eager to please and, therefore, easy to train. Bred to be a hunting dog, they are known for their stamina, focus, and agility. As a scenthound, they also tend to follow their nose and wander off, so it is important for them to be trained to listen and react to commands.

Nutrition

The American Leopard Hound should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Want to learn how to train your American Leopard Hound to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

How to Train a Schapendoes

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Want to learn how to train your Schapendoes to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

This shaggy sheepdog of Holland is also known as the Dutch Sheep Dog. Schapendoes are cheerful, funny, clever and brave and are very good family pets. They also have a strong desire to please.

The Schapendoes were everywhere in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but their numbers dwindled drastically when Border Collies were imported. When the breed club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in 1947, the Schapendoes breed was resuscitated. The Schapendoes is a lightly-built, long-coated, medium-sized dog. His movements are effortless and springy and his astounding ability to jump makes him excel at agility and other dog sports. With an attentive and courageous character, he is intelligent, watchful, lively, friendly and high-spirited. Towards people familiar to him, he develops great affection and loyalty.

History

At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, the Nederlandse Schapendoes (Dutch Schapendoes) occurred throughout the Netherlands where they were primarily sheep-herding dogs. The shepherds valued them for the tireless pleasure they took in their work and their intelligence. The breed belongs to a wide-ranging group of longhaired herding breeds, which have densely-coated heads, and is related to the Bearded Collie, Puli, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Bobtail, Briard, Bergamasco and the Old German Sheepdog of the variety which occurs in Hessen, Odenwald and the Niederrhein district. All these similar dogs are smaller mutations of mountain dogs.

The canine authority, P.M.C. Toepoel, is the founder of the Schapendoes. During World War II, the breed almost vanished, but he knew how to rouse people’s interest back into the sheep-herding dog and any specimen of the  Schapendoes was used for breeding from wherever they could be found.

The Breed Club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in 1947 and, in 1952, the breed was provisionally recognized by the Raad van Beheer. In 1954, the standard was set up and a Stud Book started. Definite recognition followed in 1971. Since then, only registered dogs have been bred from.

Quick Facts

Temperament: Watchful / Friendly / Lively

Height: 16-20 inches

Weight: 26-55 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Foundation Stock Service

Health

Some dogs may be faced with these issues in their lives, but the majority of Schapendoes are healthy dogs. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Schapendoes can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.

Grooming

Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep the Schapendoes clean and looking his best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. The strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

Exercise

The Schapendoes needs a lot of exercise. Daily running for an hour keeps him fit and prevents nervousness. Other options for exercise include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or being taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks. Certain outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. If you live in an apartment, even short walks in the hallways can give your dog some exercise, especially during inclement weather. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.

Training

Schapendoes like to learn and they do so willingly, but they may also have an independent streak.

Nutrition

The Schapendoes should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Want to learn how to train your Schapendoes to be one of the best-trained dogs? Click here to find out how

 

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